Court Orders INEC to Register National Democratic Party

On February 16, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice M.G. Umar, ruled in favor of the National Democratic Party (NDP), ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.

The court found that the NDP, represented by its interim national chairman Ada Frederick Okwori, satisfied the provisions of sections 222 and 224 of the 1999 Constitution and sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022. The court declared INEC's previous refusal to register the NDP, as stated in a letter dated December 18, 2025, null and void, with no legal effect.

Justice Umar emphasized INEC's statutory duty to register political associations. Following the ruling, Okwori described the decision as a triumph for constitutional democracy and expressed commitment to strengthening the party's structure nationwide.

This ruling comes amid renewed efforts by various political associations seeking recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections.